Silsbee's offensive line creates time for QB Patrick Reed

Behind an offensive line with an average weight of 275 pounds, Silsbee's offense has been a thorn in the sides of many opponents' defense this season.

A big reason for that success can be attributed to the team's highly touted offensive line, better known as "The Briar Patch."

"We're call the 'The Briar Patch' because we are up front in the thick of things doing the dirty work," Texas State commit Kanon Mackey said. "We go into each game wanting to show we are a good all-around line which can both pass and run blocking."

A testament to the line's versatility is the success of dual threat quarterback Patrick Reed. Reed was the only player in district 21-3A to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark both passing and rushing. He accounted for 34 total touchdowns while directing and offense which lead the district by putting up 414 total yards a game.

Despite getting all the accolades that come from being the trigger man of a very explosive offense, Reed knows where all the success is generated from.

"If it wasn't for the guys up front, me and the backfield wouldn't be able to do anything," said Reed, who ran for 15 touchdowns while passing for 19. "It all starts with them they drive the offense and help us wear down teams in the second half each week."

For evidence of this look no farther than last week's match up against Cleveland.

While up 24-21 late in the fourth quarter, the Tigers called eight consecutive run plays to put the game away. The drive was capped off by a designed run by Reed, who scored from eight yards out on fourth down, by running behind his big tackle Mackey to cement the game for the Tigers.

Sequences like this - are made possible thanks to the preparation offensive line coach Jason Morgan puts his guys through on a daily basis.

"I told my guys before the game last week they were going to put the game on our backs." Morgan said.

The "Briar Patch" will be back in the thick of things when Silsbee takes on Stafford at 7 p.m. today at Turner Stadium in Humble.